Interview with Keiko Kusudo
We spoke with Keiko Kusudo about the reuse of cultural heritage buildings at Kusudo House.
Continuously welcoming customers at the kimono shop and gallery
Can you tell us what led to the reuse of the cultural heritage building of Kusudo House as a gallery and café?
Kusudo (honorific omitted)
In 1996, five locations of Kusudo House were registered as registered tangible cultural properties, which created the need to open cultural properties to the public.
However, since we still live on the premises, it was difficult to open the main house immediately. Therefore, we decided to renovate the rice storehouse and open it to convey the atmosphere of Kusudo House by allowing people to enter from the stone-paved alley.
Since we originally operated a kimono shop, we had experience holding exhibitions in the main house. By serving tea to customers, I felt the joy of communication among them.
Additionally, I had acquaintances who were artists wanting to exhibit their works or perform, as well as customers who enjoyed art. Although the planning period was long, I ultimately realized that I was in the middle of those who wanted to disseminate information and those who wanted to receive it.
For this reason, I wanted to create a place where enjoyable times could be shared, and in 1996, I renovated the rice storehouse and started "Yume Space (Salon) Hashimaya."
Since 2022, my wife Mayumi, the sixth generation, has been operating "atelier & salon Hashimaya," a salon where you can enjoy meals and drinks centered around homemade fermented seasonings.
What kind of exhibitions were held at Yume Space Hashimaya?
Kusudo
We held a wide range of exhibitions, including concerts of various genres such as classical and jazz, as well as reading sessions and art exhibitions.
For each concert or exhibition, candidates for exhibitors were found through word of mouth, and I spoke directly with the candidates to request their exhibitions.
I want to change our efforts to match the times
While the use of old folk houses for community purposes has increased now, it was a rare initiative back in 1996, wasn't it?
Kusudo
That's right.
At that time, we received a lot of media coverage.
The time spent thinking about what to do here was very long, and initially, there was a concept for a restaurant. Later, my son started "Kurashiki Kiln and Southern Italian Cuisine Hashimaya," so I think it was good that we didn't turn it into a restaurant (laughs).
Many people in Kurashiki love folk crafts, and there are also many who are actively working as artists. That's why Yume Space Hashimaya thrived.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Kusudo
Our initiatives have changed with the times, from a kimono shop to a gallery, café, and restaurant, and I feel that the age and demographics of our customers have also changed.
I hope you can enjoy a fun and delicious time in the storehouse of Kusudo House.
Conclusion
The lives of the Kusudo family have continued through the Meiji, Taisho, Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras at Kusudo House.
In the future, we cannot take our eyes off the "modern" initiatives unique to the Kusudo family that match the times.
Articles about Japan Heritage in Kurashiki City
Data on Kusudo House
| Name | Kusudo House |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-20 Higashimachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Website | Hashimaya |
